Captain your Data – Panel Discussion
Executive Summary
Welcome to DIYs for busy professionals, where we explore the world of career development. In this series, you'll hear from professionals who have taken control of their careers and made successful transitions into data management and analytics. Our panellists will share their personal journeys and insights on the importance of mentorship, soft skills, and planning for career growth. They'll also discuss the challenges and skill requirements in data management and the role of communication in data governance. Finally, we'll wrap up with some thoughts on consistency and principle as key drivers of career advancement. Join us as we discover the strategies and insights that can help you take control of your own career path.
Webinar Details
Webinar Title: CAPTIAN YOUR DATA – PANEL DISCUSSION
Webinar Date: 22 June 2023
Webinar Presenter: Veronica Diesel
Meetup Group: Data Professionals
Write-up Author: Veronica Diesel
Contents
Executive Summary
Webinar Details
Introduction to DIYs for busy professionals
What is a career?
Panellists Share Their Career Journeys
Career Journey and Discovering the Field of Data Management
Career Evolution and Discovery
Reflections on Career, Purpose, and Personal Identity
Taking Control of Your Career
Commitment to Learning and Making Decisions
Building a Career in Data Governance
Resignation to Pursue Analytics Career
Reflection on the Journey of the Data Career
The Importance of Flexibility and Choices in Career Development
Planning for Career Growth and Success
Taking Control of Your Career
The Importance and Benefits of Having a Mentor
Importance of Course Correction and Mentorship in Personal Development
The Role of Mentorship and Skills in a Data Career
Challenges and Skill Requirements in Data Management
Importance of Data Management and Soft Skills
Career Advancement and Communication in Data Governance
Importance of Data Management in the Current Era
Strategies for Inspiring Interaction and Engagement
Importance of Upfront Awareness and Design in Adopting New Technology
Final Wrap-up Comments on Career Development
The Power of Consistency and Principle
Introduction to DIYs for busy professionals
Veronica introduces the concept of DIYs for busy professionals. The DIYs are designed for people who have some background knowledge. The focus of learning is shifting from passive learning to active learning. Active learning involves doing practice questions and looking up information when needed. More details on the DIYs will be provided in the future. Panellists JG, Paul, Johan, and Este are introduced as the first three superheroes in the DIY and Career Assessment program. Each superhero represents a different role and has a unique superpower. Slides showcasing the superheroes will be shared with the audience.
What is a career?
Veronica emphasises the importance of having a business glossary to ensure a shared understanding of definitions. She describes the traditional view of a career as studying and working in a specific field until retirement. She uses her desire to be a geologist and work in mining as an example.
Figure 1 What is a career?
Panellists Share Their Career Journeys
The panellists discuss how their parents' careers influenced their career choices, mentioning financial issues and uncertainty about the future. Veronica shares studying computer science due to her father's concerns about her career as a geologist and her career journey working for a geophysicist. JG reflects on the importance of practicality in career choices and eventually finding fulfilment in his data career.
Career Journey and Discovering the Field of Data Management
One of the panellists, an Industrial Engineer who studied in Pretoria, started their career as a quality assurance analyst. They became fascinated with data Ops through a colleague, unaware of the field's existence but finding it intriguing. A conversation with someone passionate about data from Damar led them to their current involvement in data. Another speaker initially wanted to be a marine biologist but started working at Standard Bank due to family connections.
Career Evolution and Discovery
Another of the panellists initially pursued a career at Standard Bank, hoping for financial success, but found it unfulfilling. They then attempted entrepreneurship by opening a coffee shop, which failed. Later, they transitioned to working in Dar es Salaam and faced data management and report writing challenges. COVID-19 impacted their career.
Reflections on Career, Purpose, and Personal Identity
One of the panellists was offered the position of automation executive at a travel company, where she presented new tenders, managed online tools, handled project implementations, and was responsible for data management. Despite her extensive responsibilities, she was not selected for a more senior role. After losing her job due to the COVID-19 pandemic, she pursued opportunities in business development, a field she is passionate about. She believes that business positively impacts society and communities and that data management is a tool to support and benefit businesses. Veronica reflects on the meaning and purpose of her career choices and emphasises the importance of finding meaning and delivering value to others. She believes that careers reflect personal values and shape personal identity and encourages taking control of decision-making to lead a purpose-driven life.
Figure 2 Our own account of our career
Taking Control of Your Career
We must find purpose in our careers and make daily decisions that advance our goals. Being the captain of our career requires practical and proactive action, such as clarifying our skills and presenting ourselves confidently.
Figure 3 Taking Control of Your Career
Commitment to Learning and Making Decisions
The process of learning has started, and finding the right tools is crucial. Successful data management professionals like Howard JG, Paul, and Estie serve as inspiration and show that there is a way out of confusion. Commitment to learning and making beneficial decisions is key.
Building a Career in Data Governance
A well-defined roadmap for career development in data governance is crucial for professionals in this field. It allows them to set clear goals and objectives, identify the skills and knowledge they need to acquire, and plan out the steps they need to take to achieve their career aspirations. Without such a roadmap, professionals may find themselves drifting aimlessly and struggling to progress in their careers. Therefore, investing time and effort in creating a comprehensive and personalised career development plan that aligns with your interests, strengths, and long-term career goals is essential. By doing so, you can maximise your potential and achieve success in the exciting and rapidly evolving field of data governance.
Figure 4 What is a career to you? Useful to add two descriptions
Resignation to Pursue Analytics Career
One panellist shared their experience of a company recognising their talent in analytics and wanted them to focus on that. However, there was a dispute over where they should spend their time. Since both parties couldn't agree, the panellist resigned to break the deadlock. Leaving was a defining moment because they realised, they only wanted to do analytics and didn't want to get involved in other people's conflicts. Despite facing challenges and causing anxiety among partners due to my lack of prior knowledge of the vast field of analytics, the panellist’s passion for it remained strong, and they desired to continue building data products.
Reflection on the Journey of the Data Career
One potential area of focus for individuals looking to advance their career could be investing in data products and packaging analytics to drive value delivery. Finding support and motivation to stay on track and maintain control over career options is also essential. Recognising industry challenges and effectively communicating for growth can also be key to success.
The Importance of Flexibility and Choices in Career Development
Veronica emphasises the value of engaging in data Ops discussions and joining communities like DAMA, even if not currently working in the desired area. Developing skills and gaining experience helps move towards desired career goals. Having multiple job options contributes to professional satisfaction. It is important to have clear short-term career goals while remaining open to trying different knowledge areas or roles. Trying different roles helps make informed decisions and avoid feeling stuck. The author highlights the importance of embracing the process of choosing different paths in their career journey and striving for technical excellence if it aligns with their career goals.
Figure 5 Principles of the Path
Planning for Career Growth and Success
It is crucial to have a well-thought-out strategy, conduct a thorough assessment, and set clear goals if you aim to advance in your career. These elements play a significant role in shaping your career path and ensuring that you make progress towards your ideal professional future. By analysing your strengths and weaknesses, evaluating your industry's trends and demands, and defining your objectives, you can develop a personalised roadmap for success. With a strategic mindset, a comprehensive understanding of your professional landscape, and a clear vision of your aspirations, you can take confident steps towards achieving your career goals.
Figure 6 Planning for Career Growth and Success
Taking Control of Your Career
Achieving success in your career requires a combination of factors, such as making well-informed choices, cultivating positive habits, being mindful of the consequences of your actions, maintaining open communication with your supervisor, and assuming responsibility for your career progression. Implementing these practices can pave the way for a fulfilling and prosperous professional journey.
The Importance and Benefits of Having a Mentor
Having a mentor in life is essential, not just for your career. A mentor guides and supports you, helps you think, and figure out your best path. Veronica asks the panel if they have benefited from having a mentor. Johan shares that he learned the importance of vulnerability and staying humble. He finds it rewarding to make changes and step into new roles constantly. Johan approaches life with curiosity and childlike wonder, asking questions and learning from others' experiences. Despite facing challenges, Johan feels in control and sees the value in pivoting to new directions.
Importance of Course Correction and Mentorship in Personal Development
Steering a yacht is similar to making life changes, where heading towards a desired direction takes time and gradual correction. Pilots understand the importance of being aware of headwinds and continuously course-correcting while piloting an aircraft. Veronica has no specific mentor but actively seeks guidance from people who could fill this role. The understanding of what a mentor is may need to be adjusted, as they often offer valuable life experiences rather than being a guru. The panel discusses the significance of having a mentor and how they can contribute to personal development.
Figure 7 Importance of Course Correction and Mentorship in Personal Development
The Role of Mentorship and Skills in a Data Career
The importance of mentorship in the data field, regardless of age or experience. Younger individuals can serve as mentors due to their expertise in specific skills. Sharing knowledge and experiences between mentors and mentees is beneficial. The traditional mentorship paradigm needs to change. Anyone can bring wisdom to the table. A safe environment is crucial for mentorship. Continuously adding new skills is important. Skills from various disciplines can enhance a data career. Personal strengths and styles should be considered to become a data career captain. Juggling responsibilities is a challenge for leaders.
Challenges and Skill Requirements in Data Management
It is crucial to acknowledge the significance of acknowledging one's shortcomings, pinpointing the most suitable positions to occupy, evaluating one's proficiency in data analysis, making well-informed decisions, assembling a team of capable individuals, and keeping abreast of the latest technological advancements in data management. These key factors can significantly contribute to achieving success in data management.
Figure 8 A Large part of our career is a process of CHOOSING
Importance of Data Management and Soft Skills
The significance of SQL in data interpretation regardless of the database platform, including its application in tools like Power BI. It is essential to establish a strong foundation in data modelling and continuously build upon it for career growth. The recognition that soft skills, such as effective communication and collaboration, are crucial in any job, particularly in data management. The need for empathy and understanding towards others' perspectives in the workplace and the reminder that working in teams and building positive relationships are essential aspects of any job, including data management.
Figure 9 Data Career strategy: Tools and Techniques
Career Advancement and Communication in Data Governance
Veronica reflects on career growth challenges and decision-making in small organisations with limited control, questioning whether larger companies offer more favourable conditions despite politics and constraints. She wonders if the approach to career growth is more important than organisation size. She shares the story of Tosi, who successfully communicated her career goals to HR and management, resulting in a potential data architect position. Veronica emphasises the importance of passionate communication and shared goals between managers and staff for career growth.
Importance of Data Management in the Current Era
The management of data is a multi-disciplinary field that needs to be demystified. Clarify your goals and be surprised at how everything falls into place. Data management has always been important, but now it is urgent due to the interconnectedness of everything and the value of data. Even if you are not directly involved in data analysis or management, having a basic understanding is crucial. Companies like Facebook, Amazon, Netflix, and Google are at the forefront of data-driven transformation. Technical professionals, such as software developers, now need to interact with the business side for data governance and management tasks.
Figure 10 Data Management Archetypes
Strategies for Inspiring Interaction and Engagement
To effectively implement a data quality program, stakeholders must be involved in finding solutions. Encourage questions and emphasise data ownership and stewardship. Use the ADKAR model for change management and stakeholder buy-in. Prioritise explaining data value and relevance and avoid a one-size-fits-all approach to data governance.
Importance of Upfront Awareness and Design in Adopting New Technology
Veronica emphasises the importance of upfront awareness and design when incorporating new technology, including GPT and AI. She shares an experience at Standard Bank, where people resisted the PC transition and preferred using Cobol and mainframes. Veronica stresses that big data should be a tool for decision-making, not just running algorithms without delivering value and finding a bridge between the current state and new technology is crucial without feeling overwhelmed or rushing into extensive courses on data science.
Final Wrap-up Comments on Career Development
Estie suggests that it's important to have a general idea of what you want to do in the next five years, even if you still need a detailed plan for the next 20 years. Estie advises remaining open to exploring different paths and interests while considering your passions. Estie emphasises the benefits of building a supportive community and networking with professionals. Johan stresses the importance of never-stop dreaming and living with purpose and passion. JG believes in the power of focus and data to advance your career.
The Power of Consistency and Principle
The little things you hold onto can make a big difference in life. Each individual's principles play a role in creating a collective impact. Consistency in upholding principles is crucial. Working with others while maintaining principles brings excitement. The power of consistency and principles lies in each individual's commitment to them.
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